If you’re going to watch pre-season football, (and if I didn’t have to be at the games to cover them, I wouldn’t watch) check out Saturday afternoon’s Colts game in Detroit.

The coaching staff and players treat this one like a dress rehearsal for the season opener, meaning substitution patterns, calls, halftime adjustments will be the real deal.

Peyton Manning and company will play into the 3rd quarter, so, a few things to watch for. Austin Collie and Pierre Gracon playing the 3rd wide out position… who’s got the advantage?

Check out the o-line play… Charlie Johnson at left tackle and Ryan Lilja back at guard after missing a season.

Also, see how the defensive backfield holds up without Bob Sanders and Kelvin Hayden, and if Antoine Bethea and Marlin Jackson are ready to go.